Effect of Oral Carbohydrate Intake > 44kCal Per Hour During Labour on the Rate of Instrumental Vaginal Delivery

Effect of Oral Carbohydrate Intake > 44kCal Per Hour During Labour on the Rate of Instrumental Vaginal Delivery

Carbohydrate intake during physical exercise improves muscle performance and decreases fatigue. We hypothesized that carbohydrate intake during labor which is a period of significant physical activity can decrease the instrumental vaginal delivery rate.

In a previous study we reported a trend toward a decrease in instrumental vaginal delivery and the mount of carbohydrate intake during labour. However due to some limitations no clear conclusion could be drawn.

The present study is designed to examine the relationship between a high calory oral intake (>44 kCal/hour during labour) and the rate of instrumental delivery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• nulliparous women
• singleton pregnancy
• social insurance
• uncomplicated pregnancy
• no contraindication to vaginal delivery

Exclusion Criteria:

• scheduled caesarean section
• labor < 37 weeks of gestational age
• cervical dilation > 8cm at inclusion
• scheduled induced delivery
• contraindication to pushing effort during labor and delivery
• BMI > 40 kg/m2
• medical history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease